An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Take 100% responsibility for your life.
Get comfortable with discomfort.
Create daily habits that support your growth.
Seek out mentors and coaches.
Stay open to learning.
Growth is an essential part of life, both personally and professionally. Every day presents an opportunity to learn, evolve, and become better versions of ourselves. But how do we seize these opportunities? How do successful writers, leaders, and influencers ensure they are constantly growing and improving? What daily habits, practices, or mindsets contribute to their continual growth? In this interview series, we are talking to authors, leaders, influencers, and anyone who is an authority about “What We Can Do To Grow Every Day”. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sophie Musumeci.
Sophie Musumeci is an award-winning entrepreneur, leadership and change management expert, and speaker. She is the founder of Real Entrepreneur Women, a multimillion-dollar organization that helped over 1,000 women find their purpose, and turn their calling into a profitable business. The Australian National Parliament mentioned Sophie several times, recognizing her work with entrepreneur women.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up on a small hobby farm in South Australia, and yes, we even had a pet pig named Gertrude! It was a pretty hands-on upbringing, and I definitely consider myself a country kid at heart. I left school in year 11, and my dad’s only rule was that I had to have a job first. So, in true overachiever style, I didn’t just get one job — I got three!
From there, I moved to the “big smoke,” first on the Gold Coast, in sunny Queensland, then eventually settled in Sydney, where I am now. My Italian family has been a big part of my journey too — I’ve always known that no matter what, my protective brother and sister have my back. That strong support system has really shaped who I am today.
Can you tell us a bit about what you do professionally, and what brought you to this specific career path?
I’m the founder and CEO of Real Entrepreneur Women, where our mission is to back female coaches to rise to become wealthy women in both business and life. My journey into this career path began with my own need — I created the kind of support and guidance that I wished I had when I left my corporate job and ventured into the entrepreneurial world. Coming from a background in change management and leadership, I had spent over 15 years consulting with large businesses, and while I was successful, something was missing.
I vividly remember the moment it hit me: my young son was starting to pick up more mannerisms from his nanny than from me or my husband. I had worked so hard to climb the corporate ladder, but I was missing out on the things that mattered most — those precious, everyday moments with my children. By the time my daughter was born, I knew I had to make a change. I needed to be present and become the mother I had always envisioned.
It was then that I decided to shift my priorities and build something meaningful, not just for myself, but for other women who felt the same pull between family and career. Real Entrepreneur Women started as a community for women who wanted real support and connection. But as I worked with these incredible women, I realized they needed more than just a community — they needed practical business skills to thrive in the online space.
When the pandemic hit, it became even clearer. Women needed to adapt quickly to the changing landscape, learning how to package, price, and sell their services online. That’s where our work at Real Entrepreneur Women truly evolved, offering a step-by-step pathway for female coaches to not just survive but succeed in their businesses.
Thank you for all that. Let’s now turn to the main focus of our discussion about Personal Growth. To make sure that we are all on the same page, let’s begin with a simple definition. What does “Personal Growth” mean to you?
For me, personal growth is about taking 100% responsibility for your life — owning your thoughts, actions, and even the things you choose not to do. It’s recognizing that no matter where you’ve been or what your journey has looked like up to this point, there’s always something possible ahead of you. It’s about progress, not perfection — just putting one foot in front of the other. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly powerful. Growth doesn’t happen overnight; it happens with consistent, intentional steps forward.
Why do you believe that it’s important to commit to growing every day?
I believe it’s crucial to commit to growing every day because, as I mentioned earlier, growth doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a continuous process. It takes time, and it’s ongoing. By making growth a daily commitment, it becomes a habit. The small, consistent actions you take each day build up over time, leading to real, lasting transformation. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when it’s tough, and recognizing that every step forward counts.
What are the key upsides for those who mindfully engage in a journey of personal evolution?
The key upsides to mindfully engaging in a journey of personal evolution are the incredible experiences and growth you encounter outside of your comfort zone. You never know where this path might lead — like when I found myself trekking to 13,000 feet in Nepal or working in 108°F heat with a charity. Pushing yourself beyond what you thought was possible brings a sense of accomplishment and progress, and that momentum keeps you motivated to stay on the journey. The more you grow, the more you want to keep evolving and exploring new possibilities.
When we stop evolving in intentional ways, what do you think are the biggest downsides?
When we stop evolving intentionally, the biggest downside is that we stay stuck — nothing changes. Our thinking becomes restricted, and that impacts not just us individually but also the communities we’re part of. Stagnation sets in, and with it comes complacency. Over time, that can lead to regret, knowing we had the potential to grow but chose to stay in our comfort zone. Growth keeps us moving forward, but without it, we risk missing out on the opportunities and experiences that could truly transform our lives.
What specific practices, if any, do you have in place to ensure that you don’t become stagnant in life?
I have a few key practices that keep me from becoming stagnant. One of the most important is waking up at 5:15 a.m. every morning to go to the gym. Not hitting the snooze button is a commitment I’ve made to myself — it sets the tone for my day and keeps me moving both mentally and physically. I always remind myself of the mantra, “No one ever says they regret going to the gym, but you always regret not going.”
Another practice I love is taking 5–10 minutes during my busy day to just sit in silence. It’s a simple act, but it grounds my energy and opens me up to new ideas and messages from God and the universe.
I also make a point of regularly seeking out mentors and coaches, whether it’s for business or personal growth. Learning from the best helps me continue evolving. I’m always looking to expand my knowledge, and I make time for retreats to recharge and gain fresh perspectives. Growth is a lifelong journey, and I’m committed to staying on that path.
Is there any particular area of your life where you are most committed to growth (e.g., spiritually, professionally, socially, internally, relationally)?
Professionally, my commitment to growth has been a major focus, especially with Real Entrepreneur Women. I’ve successfully grown it into an $8 million coaching business by continuously investing in my own growth — working with top coaches and mentors, taking short courses, and always learning from the best in the industry. I believe that constant learning and evolution are key, and that dedication has played a huge role in reaching this level of success.
Here is the primary question of our discussion. If you could offer five tips to readers on how to stimulate and perpetuate self-growth, what would they be? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
- Take 100% responsibility for your life.
When my business wasn’t growing as fast as I wanted, I didn’t blame the programs I’d invested in or the systems I was using. Instead, I realized that if it was meant to be, it was up to me. I took full responsibility for my focus and actions, which allowed me to turn my business around quickly. Growth happens when we own every part of our journey and stop looking for external reasons to justify where we are.
2. Get comfortable with discomfort.
Real growth happens outside your comfort zone. I learned this firsthand during my trek to 13,000 feet in Nepal. There were days I didn’t think I could take another step, but pushing through that discomfort showed me what I was truly capable of. Instead of looking at the big mountain ahead, I focused on just one step at a time. Before long I would reach the most incredible heights with views to die for. The key is not stopping.
3. Create daily habits that support your growth.
Whether it’s waking up at 5:15 a.m. to go to the gym or setting aside quiet time to reflect, building habits that keep you moving forward is key. Taking time to pause, reflect, and quiet my mind during the day has been essential for grounding myself and gaining clarity. This simple practice not only helps me recharge but also opens me up to new ideas and insights that keep me evolving both personally and professionally. Consistency in these daily habits ensures that I stay aligned with my goals and continue to grow.
4. Seek out mentors and coaches.
Surround yourself with people who have already walked the path you’re on. When I was building Real Entrepreneur Women, I invested heavily in mentors and coaches who helped me navigate the challenges of scaling a business. Learning from those who’ve been there speeds up your own growth.
5. Stay open to learning.
Never stop being a student. Whether it’s through short courses, books, or simply listening to others, there’s always something to learn. The moment we think we know it all is the moment we stop growing. That mindset has been crucial in taking my business to where it is today.
What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck and unsure of how to start their personal growth journey?
My advice is simple: just start. It’s okay to start small — small steps prevent overwhelm and make it easier to build momentum. The key is to take one step at a time. Don’t worry about having the whole path figured out right away. The act of moving forward, even if it’s just a small step, will give you clarity and confidence as you go. Growth is a journey, not a race — what matters is that you begin.
Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have significantly contributed to your personal growth?
One book that has had a significant impact on my personal growth is The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. I’ve not only finished it but have read it multiple times, and each time, it’s changed my life in new ways. This book made me realize just how powerful daily habits are and that I can control the direction of my future with six simple steps. It’s practical, straightforward, and incredibly powerful.
What resonated with me most was how it transformed the way I approached my days. By implementing the practices Hal outlines, I was able to achieve more, feel more centered, and take control of both my life and business like never before. It’s had such a profound impact that I now gift this book to every client, hoping they can experience the same life-changing results.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Thank you for the kind words! I believe I’ve already sparked a movement through Real Entrepreneur Women — one that’s focused on empowering female coaches to become wealthy women in both business and life. It’s not just an idea; it’s something already in motion and creating a real impact.
With over 30,000 community members and more than 1,000 women who have gone through the Wealthy Woman Mastermind, we’re building a powerful ripple effect. These women aren’t just growing successful businesses; they’re creating jobs, impacting lives, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. It’s incredible to think about how many lives they’ve touched and will continue to touch in their journeys.
But this movement is about more than financial success — it’s about generational wealth, financial freedom, and empowering women to take control of their futures. When women thrive, they uplift their families, communities, and future generations. The impact goes far beyond just business; it’s exponential.
If I could start or grow any movement, it would be the continuation of this one — empowering even more women to embrace their worth, unlock their greatness, and be financially compensated for their unique skills. Financial independence is the foundation of lasting change, and it all begins with recognizing the value we bring. The ripple effect of empowering even one woman is limitless, and that’s the beauty of it. You never know how far it will go!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
To further follow my work and stay connected, you can visit our website at rewomen.com.au. There, you’ll find detailed information about our programs, as well as incredible testimonials and success stories from the amazing women we’ve worked with. It’s a great way to see the impact we’re making and how we’re helping women transform their lives and businesses.
You can also join our thriving community on Facebook by joining the Real Entrepreneur Women Facebook Group. With over 30,000 like-minded women, it’s a space where we share valuable insights, host free trainings, and support each other on our entrepreneurial journeys. I’d love to see you there!
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience as the Founder and CEO of multiple companies. He launched Choice Recovery, Inc., a healthcare collection agency, while going to The Ohio State University, His team earned national recognition, twice being ranked as the #1 business to work for in Central Ohio. In 2018, Chad launched [re]start, a career development platform connecting thousands of individuals in collections with meaningful employment opportunities, He sold Choice Recovery on his 25th anniversary and in 2023, sold the majority interest in [re]start so he can focus his transition to Built to Lead as an Executive Leadership Coach. Learn more at www.chadsilverstein.com
Growing Every Day: Sophie Musumeci Of Real Entrepreneur Women On What We Can Do To Grow Every Day was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.